Location: Grand County, CO | Metro: Grand County, CO
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,480 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,840 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,294 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,689 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,984 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,183 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP code 80468 is centered around the significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR is set at $1,680, whereas the Census ACS data indicates a market rent of $571. This represents a gap of $1,109, or approximately 194%, favoring the FMR over the market rent.
This gap makes ZIP 80468 a compelling opportunity for voucher tenants, transforming it into a yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The higher FMR means that landlords can receive a subsidy that significantly exceeds the local market rent, thus increasing their potential income per unit. This is particularly advantageous given the ZIP's rental demographics where 38.6% of residents are renters.
The median home value in ZIP 80468 stands at $724,801, which underscores the relatively high property values in the area. However, the absence of median income data suggests that there might be a wide range of economic conditions affecting residents. Despite this, the disparity between the FMR and the market rent ensures that landlords can benefit from a guaranteed income stream through the Section 8 program, even if the overall income levels are not explicitly known.
In summary, the substantial difference between the FMR and the market rent in ZIP 80468 creates a scenario where voucher tenants can provide a higher return on investment compared to the open-market rates. Landlords should capitalize on this gap to maximize their yields while providing affordable housing options to eligible residents.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.